With the rise of digital devices among children, parental control apps have become essential for managing screen time, filtering content, and ensuring online safety. Google Family Link is a free parental control app designed to help parents manage their child’s Android device usage. But is it the best option available? In this Family Link review, we’ll explore its features, benefits, downsides, and how it compares to more other parental control solutions like MMGuardian.
What Is Google Family Link?
Google Family Link is a parental control app that allows parents to monitor and manage their child’s Android and Chromebook usage. With Family Link, parents can:
Set screen time limits
Approve or block app downloads
Track their child’s location
Manage content filters on Google services
Lock a child’s device remotely
Since it’s free and directly integrated with Google accounts, Family Link is a popular choice for parents looking for a basic monitoring solution.
Google Family Link Features
App Management – Parents can approve or deny app downloads from the Google Play Store.
Screen Time Limits – Set daily screen time restrictions and schedule device downtime.
Content Filtering – Restrict mature content on YouTube, Google Search, and Google Play.
Location Tracking – See your child’s real-time location on a map.
Device Locking – Instantly lock the child’s device remotely.
Common Questions About Family Link
Is Google Family Link Safe?
Yes, Family Link is safe in the sense that it provides basic parental controls, but it has limitations when it comes to advanced safety features like message monitoring or social media tracking.
Does Family Link Work on iPhone?
Family Link has limited functionality on iPhones. Parents can manage settings via the app, but children using iOS devices won’t have the same level of restrictions as Android users.
Can Family Link See Text Messages?
No, Family Link does not allow parents to monitor text messages, call logs, or social media activity.
At What Age Does Family Link Stop Working?
Once a child turns 13 (or the age of consent in their country), they can choose to remove parental controls, making Family Link ineffective for teenagers.
Downsides of Google Family Link
While Family Link is a decent free option, it comes with several drawbacks:
Limited Monitoring Capabilities – No ability to monitor texts, calls, social media, or web history in detail.
Easily Bypassed by Tech-Savvy Kids – Older children can find ways to disable or circumvent restrictions.
No Real-Time Alerts – Unlike other parental control apps, Family Link does not send real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
Restricted to Google Services – Family Link primarily controls Google apps and services but does not provide comprehensive monitoring across third-party apps.
Limited Compatibility with iOS – Apple users will find Family Link far less useful compared to Android users.
Family Link vs. MMGuardian: Which is Better?
If you need a more robust parental control app, MMGuardian is a superior alternative. Unlike Family Link, MMGuardian offers:
✅ Text & Call Monitoring – See messages, calls, and contacts your child interacts with.
✅ Social Media Tracking – Monitor apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram.
✅ Web Filtering & Alerts – Block inappropriate websites and receive instant alerts on concerning activity.
✅ Tamper Prevention – Kids cannot easily disable MMGuardian’s controls.
✅ Cross-Platform Compatibility – Works effectively on both Android and iOS devices.
While Google Family Link is a decent free option for younger children, parents who want comprehensive digital safety should consider MMGuardian instead.
For a more comprehensive overview, read our MMGuardian vs Family Link comparison article.
Final Verdict: Is Google Family Link Worth It?
If you’re looking for a free and basic parental control app, Family Link can help set screen time limits and monitor app usage. However, if your child is older, more tech-savvy, or needs stronger digital safety measures, MMGuardian is a much better choice.
For parents serious about protecting their child’s online experience, investing in a more advanced parental control app is the smarter move.
